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The International Life Saving Federation (ILS) is the world's non-profit association of aquatic Lifesavers and aquatic Lifesaving organizations.

The International Life Saving Federation of Europe (ILSE) is the European branch of ILS. ILSE is an umbrella organisation, representing federations working in the field of Water Safety in Europe. Our members are representing more than 5 millions of Lifesavers and Lifeguards all over Europe. If you need specific information about Lifesaving in a particular nation, please contact our members or refer to the relevant website.

Through our own work and that of our member federations, we lead the global effort to reduce injury and death in, on or around the water. We aid in the global exchange of lifesaving information, promote the best lifesaving practices, help to establish lifesaving organizations in areas of Europe where they are needed, act as the European federation for lifesaving sport and work with other international bodies with similar goals.

On 28th July Hans-Joachim Bartholdt deceased in his hometown Hannoversch Münden at the age of 81. DLRG’s long-standing President, Vice President and finally Honorary President committed himself to his organisation in an voluntary capacity until the end of his life. With Hans-Joachim Bartholdt, the lifesavers lose a great personality and a likeable person with outstanding specialist competence, while his family loses a devoted husband, father and grandfather.

The ILSE Board of Directors came from 8th till 10th of May 2009 to Paralimini (Cyprus) for its annual meeting in the spring. The meeting took place in a very good atmosphere. The Board of Directors decided unanimously

The European Championships for Juniors took place from September 9th to 13th 2008 in the remarkable swimming pool of Eindhoven and at the broad beach of Scheveningen in The Netherlands.

"The event was perfect organized by the Dutch Lifesaving Federation KNLRB. 13 teams took part. The spectators have seen exciting high level and fair competitions. Seven European Records for Juniors were broken." The Italian team was the winner in the pool (591 points), followed by Germany (580 points) and Spain (455 points).